Chilean mine rescue, escape shaft expected to break through on Saturday.

The 33 miners have been trapped in the San Jose Mine, near the town of Copiapo in northern Chile, for over two months now.

Speaking last night, mining minister Lawrence Golborne said the rescue tunnel could break through in the next 24 hours, with the men potentially being freed as early as Tuesday.

Rescuers are planning on sending a video camera down the shaft once the drilling reaches the men to determine if the operation can take place without the hole caving in.

A metal capsule, dubbed the Phoenix, will then be used to pluck the miners out one by one.

A 16 person specialist rescue team, including a doctor, have already arrived at the site ahead of the difficult mission.
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